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0 <br />SAN JOAQUIN <br />GENERAL HOSPITAL <br />Department of <br />STERILE PROCESSING <br />Page of <br />1 2 <br />Policy/Procedure No. <br />Effective Date <br />Date Replaces <br />10.04 <br />10/02 <br />07/99 <br />Title of Policy/Procedure <br />BIOLOGICAL MONITORING OF THE STERILIZERS <br />All sterilizers will be tested daily / weekly with a Biological Indicator (BI) this could be a 1 hour <br />3 hour or 24 hour test. Sterilizers running multiple loads each day must be tested daily. Sterilizers <br />running no more than two loads a week can be tested once a week. <br />To verify that all supplies processed in the sterilizers are free of microorganisms. A BI is a <br />device used to verify that all the conditions necessary for sterilization have been met and to <br />assure maximum quality control of sterilized equipment/supplies. <br />1. Acquire a BI test pack and complete necessary sections on the Autoclave log sheet - Date, <br />Sterilizer #, items included in the cycle and initials of the operator. <br />2. In the first load of the day, place the BI test pack in an upright position, in the most <br />challenging area in the sterilizer, generally, the bottom shelf near the door, over the drain. <br />3. Start the sterilizer load and process the load according to the manufacturer's instructions. <br />4. After completion of the sterilization cycle, allow the test pack to cool for at least ten <br />minutes. <br />5. Open the BI test pack and remove the BI indicator from inside. Record sterilizer number <br />load number and date on the BI vial. NOTE: The chemical indicator on the label <br />changes color when processed. Check the incubator to ensure it has been calibrated. If <br />the calibration light is flashing then follow manufacturers calibration procedures prior to <br />incubating daily BI test vials. <br />6. While maintaining the BI test in an upright position, crush indicator breaking inner glass <br />